The recently released Indonesian horror-comedy film “Agak Laen” has taken the box office by storm, becoming the second highest-grossing Indonesian film of all time with 7.35 million admissions. This feat is only surpassed by another horror title, “KKN di Desai Penari”, which managed to secure over 10 million admissions in 2022. The star-studded cast of “Agak Laen” includes Bene Dion Rajagukguk, Oki Rengga, Indra Jegel, Boris Bokir, and Tissa Biani Azzahra, all of whom have contributed to the film’s immense success.
One of the key factors contributing to the success of “Agak Laen” is the perfect blend of horror and comedy that the film offers. Producer Ernest Prakasa shared that the film’s script, directed by comedian Muhadkly Acho, strikes a balance between scares and laughs, making it a unique and refreshing experience for audiences. The actors in the film, who also have backgrounds in comedy, bring a comedic touch to the horror genre, appealing to a wide range of viewers. Prakasa emphasized that in a market saturated with horror films, “Agak Laen” stood out by offering something different and entertaining to the audience, a sentiment that was well-received by moviegoers.
The release date of “Agak Laen” was carefully planned to coincide with Indonesia’s general election, which took place on February 14. Prakasa mentioned that the political tension and social media debates surrounding the election created a perfect opportunity for the film to offer a refreshing and lighthearted escape for audiences. By tapping into the audience’s desire for entertainment and laughter amidst the political chaos, “Agak Laen” managed to attract a wide range of viewers, including families, who were pleasantly surprised by the film’s ability to provide a cinematic experience that catered to all age groups.
Despite targeting a younger audience base with the podcast group associated with the film’s stars, Prakasa and his team were pleasantly surprised to see a significant number of families showing up to watch “Agak Laen”. This unexpected demographic shift not only broadened the film’s reach but also indicated its universal appeal and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Prakasa attributed the film’s success to its ability to provide an entertaining and tension-relieving experience for viewers, highlighting the importance of delivering a unique and refreshing cinematic experience in a market flooded with similar genre offerings.
Overall, the success of “Agak Laen” underscores the power of blending genres, strategic planning, and understanding audience preferences in the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry. By offering a perfect mix of horror and comedy, tapping into current social and political themes, and appealing to a wide range of viewers, the film has solidified its position as a box office hit and a testament to the creativity and innovation of Indonesian cinema.